AME scholarships in Melbourne.
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Melbourne, Australia
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AME scholarships in Melbourne.
Good afternoon Pprune,
To start with I'd like to tell you a bit about myself. I'm 19, I've completed year 12 and am in my first year of an Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aerospace) that goes for two years. I have worked at McDonald's and got 5 years worth of experience there before I left to move down to Melbourne and study for what I believe to be my future career; aircraft maintenance.
I've been doing well in the course, and although it's still not over, I though I should get to researching jobs within the industry, how to get your foot in the door and what my offers will be like. I've been searching for a couple of months now and I have been filling in application forms here and there. Contacting some people within the industry and trying to get an apprenticeship by travelling over every website I can find that recruits AMEs.
Of course, as someone with no experience I've gotten absolutely nothing, but I've kept searching.
Today, I found PPRuNe (I have no idea how I didn't before). And I've been reading the AUS/NZ forums for the past 4-5 hours before making this post. I've gained a lot of information and my current feeling is, and I'm sorry to be so crude, holy ****, I ****** up.
From what I've read, it is nearly impossible to get an apprenticeship, even though there is a shortage of AMEs. The pay is barely enough to pay the cheapest rent imaginable (I imagined it would be low as it is an apprenticeship, but what people have said on the forums makes me think I won't be able to afford my one room apartment that I share with my partner). I've also heard that you get treated like **** and you don't get paid nearly enough considering the pressures.
Of course, I'm pretty shell shocked. I am a tinkerer at heart, I'd like to think I'm a fairly smart fella, and I love aircraft. It was basically my perfect job, but now I fear I won't be able to gain entry.
If anyone out there is a anyone offering apprenticeships or who has previously offer apprenticeships, I would love to hear from you, as your advice could really help now.
To start with I'd like to tell you a bit about myself. I'm 19, I've completed year 12 and am in my first year of an Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aerospace) that goes for two years. I have worked at McDonald's and got 5 years worth of experience there before I left to move down to Melbourne and study for what I believe to be my future career; aircraft maintenance.
I've been doing well in the course, and although it's still not over, I though I should get to researching jobs within the industry, how to get your foot in the door and what my offers will be like. I've been searching for a couple of months now and I have been filling in application forms here and there. Contacting some people within the industry and trying to get an apprenticeship by travelling over every website I can find that recruits AMEs.
Of course, as someone with no experience I've gotten absolutely nothing, but I've kept searching.
Today, I found PPRuNe (I have no idea how I didn't before). And I've been reading the AUS/NZ forums for the past 4-5 hours before making this post. I've gained a lot of information and my current feeling is, and I'm sorry to be so crude, holy ****, I ****** up.
From what I've read, it is nearly impossible to get an apprenticeship, even though there is a shortage of AMEs. The pay is barely enough to pay the cheapest rent imaginable (I imagined it would be low as it is an apprenticeship, but what people have said on the forums makes me think I won't be able to afford my one room apartment that I share with my partner). I've also heard that you get treated like **** and you don't get paid nearly enough considering the pressures.
Of course, I'm pretty shell shocked. I am a tinkerer at heart, I'd like to think I'm a fairly smart fella, and I love aircraft. It was basically my perfect job, but now I fear I won't be able to gain entry.
If anyone out there is a anyone offering apprenticeships or who has previously offer apprenticeships, I would love to hear from you, as your advice could really help now.
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Hey
Good luck getting an apprenticeship !Stay positive and remember nothing good comes easy . You may need to relocate to get that dream job so be open to that idea. One good site to look for jobs is Avation Trader - Your total aviation marketplace . Another is Seek.com.au
Good luck getting an apprenticeship !Stay positive and remember nothing good comes easy . You may need to relocate to get that dream job so be open to that idea. One good site to look for jobs is Avation Trader - Your total aviation marketplace . Another is Seek.com.au
Join Date: Jan 2009
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Hey mate,
It's not all doom and gloom. Particularly if you're switched on and ambitious.
Like many other industries across Australia, we're coming into a employment shortage.
If you're genuinely interested, you will get job satisfaction from what you do each day, regardless of the fact that your friends will be making more money than you for many years.
In saying that, I've seen many parts of the world and most of Australia on someone else's money.
Keep an open mind and do some research to try and find a reputable organisation somewhere you are happy to live. Apply for some work experience, sweep the floor, clean the aircraft and soak up the experience.
Like the rest of life, if it's meant to be, it'll work out.
Read lots and keep an open mind, you'll be fine.
It's not all doom and gloom. Particularly if you're switched on and ambitious.
Like many other industries across Australia, we're coming into a employment shortage.
If you're genuinely interested, you will get job satisfaction from what you do each day, regardless of the fact that your friends will be making more money than you for many years.
In saying that, I've seen many parts of the world and most of Australia on someone else's money.
Keep an open mind and do some research to try and find a reputable organisation somewhere you are happy to live. Apply for some work experience, sweep the floor, clean the aircraft and soak up the experience.
Like the rest of life, if it's meant to be, it'll work out.
Read lots and keep an open mind, you'll be fine.
Join Date: Apr 2008
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question for a question?
So you do this diploma, then you have to do an apprenticeship to qualify to do anything? then you still have to do the exams to add the L to the AME ??
Do you get credit to shorten the apprenticeship time??
eg. I'm in the auto industry. If i take on an apprentice that has done an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course (the approved one is 9 months full time) I am required to start them on 2nd year wages, and their time is shortened to 3 years.
In your case, if you start your apprenticeship after you finish your course you will be 20? In some industry awards, when you turn 21 you may be eligible for minimum adult wage. Good for you, but not for the potential employer. Something for you to check. Some apprenticeships are covered by the Adult Apprenticeship subsidy, which is $100 per week. It doesn't cover the difference, but sure can aid you in securing the job, if it is applicable to your trade, and you can point it out to a prospective employer.
One thing I am seriously interested to know, is how this course was presented to you as an option, and what 'promises' the future held if you did the course.
Good luck
Jas
So you do this diploma, then you have to do an apprenticeship to qualify to do anything? then you still have to do the exams to add the L to the AME ??
Do you get credit to shorten the apprenticeship time??
eg. I'm in the auto industry. If i take on an apprentice that has done an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course (the approved one is 9 months full time) I am required to start them on 2nd year wages, and their time is shortened to 3 years.
In your case, if you start your apprenticeship after you finish your course you will be 20? In some industry awards, when you turn 21 you may be eligible for minimum adult wage. Good for you, but not for the potential employer. Something for you to check. Some apprenticeships are covered by the Adult Apprenticeship subsidy, which is $100 per week. It doesn't cover the difference, but sure can aid you in securing the job, if it is applicable to your trade, and you can point it out to a prospective employer.
One thing I am seriously interested to know, is how this course was presented to you as an option, and what 'promises' the future held if you did the course.
Good luck
Jas
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Join Date: Jun 2012
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jas24zzk, the course was presented by the university as the only option to get into the industry. Of course, I wasn't stupid enough to believe that, because I knew that they would just want me there for the money they would earn.
Unfortunately I was stupid enough to think it would help me get a position somewhere. A choice I hope I do not regret.
Unfortunately I was stupid enough to think it would help me get a position somewhere. A choice I hope I do not regret.
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Hey mate good luck with the search but if you stick with it you will get there it is just a matter of getting your foot in the door. There are plenty of engineering firms out there that are not located in the city but in regional areas. Many of the larger flying schools, charter and Ag companies have their own maintenance facilities.
If you where prepared to do other duties such as loading Ag aircraft you can make very good money as well as doing your apprenticeship at the same time.
Don't stress about earning a low wage to start with as it will get larger fairly quickly as you gain more experience and qualifications.
Try giving some of the Ag operators around Moree in NSW a call. I'm sure if you are keen enough you can get a foot in the door that way.
If you where prepared to do other duties such as loading Ag aircraft you can make very good money as well as doing your apprenticeship at the same time.
Don't stress about earning a low wage to start with as it will get larger fairly quickly as you gain more experience and qualifications.
Try giving some of the Ag operators around Moree in NSW a call. I'm sure if you are keen enough you can get a foot in the door that way.
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The LAMEs who work on my plane complain they can't find good apprentices.
I think if you rolled up and showed the right attitude you'd get an apprenticeship a lot easier than you think.
I think if you rolled up and showed the right attitude you'd get an apprenticeship a lot easier than you think.
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I've done a lot of online applications, but a lot of those are too impersonal to make any sort of impact, so I basically consider them useless. I've handed in a resume to a couple to places but I think a major problem is actually in finding the places that do the maintenance to start with.
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For starters, stop wasting your time online. Sure it is a handy research tool and may just net you a job if you are lucky. Best option is to get out there and talk to the operators. Get in the car, visit all the airports and flying clubs in the area (and out of it). And talk to those doing the job. If they dont have a position, chances are they might know somewhere that does. Volunteer to do a week or 2 work experience, even if it doesnt get you a job it looks good on the resume and can possibly net you some good references.
This of course is mainly if you are going for GA. Getting in with the big operators from scratch...well i cant really help you there. But im sure it will still be all about contacts. Get out there and make some.
Good luck
This of course is mainly if you are going for GA. Getting in with the big operators from scratch...well i cant really help you there. But im sure it will still be all about contacts. Get out there and make some.
Good luck
For starters, stop wasting your time online. Sure it is a handy research tool and may just net you a job if you are lucky. Best option is to get out there and talk to the operators. Get in the car, visit all the airports and flying clubs in the area (and out of it). And talk to those doing the job. If they dont have a position, chances are they might know somewhere that does. Volunteer to do a week or 2 work experience, even if it doesnt get you a job it looks good on the resume and can possibly net you some good references.
Good luck, those of us in the industry only whinge about it some times.
There are jobs out there. I finished my apprenticeship about 4 years ago at an airline, straight from high school... But I showed an interest by doing four weeks work experience with this operator.
There are a few courses that are available to get your foot in the door, TAFE SA (Parafield) run a course and so does Aviation Australia up in Qld.
Good luck with it mate.
There are a few courses that are available to get your foot in the door, TAFE SA (Parafield) run a course and so does Aviation Australia up in Qld.
Good luck with it mate.
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@Moschetti - you seem to have a good attitude, which is probably the main thing when you are starting.
Keep asking around and meeting people and it will work out fine.
Keep asking around and meeting people and it will work out fine.
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Afternoon again Pprune,
I've been reading through everything here and checking back daily. I whole heartedly appreciate the comments left by everyone of you and have taken everything as advice that I'll build on. I think I've got the right direction now to hopefully get some work experience at least.
aphexau, the amount of money you mentioned was far above what I had read about. It's also above my current living conditions so I'm no longer worried about that. Thankyou.
I've been reading through everything here and checking back daily. I whole heartedly appreciate the comments left by everyone of you and have taken everything as advice that I'll build on. I think I've got the right direction now to hopefully get some work experience at least.
aphexau, the amount of money you mentioned was far above what I had read about. It's also above my current living conditions so I'm no longer worried about that. Thankyou.
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I've recently completed an apprenticeship in cert IV aeroskills, Yes you need to go to TAFE and complete the 9 month pre app course, this IS now the only way to get a foot in.
Forget Qantas unless you move to BNE as it's all over in Melbourne
. Go for General aviation , as your options are much , much better. someone mentioned that forum chat is pointless but i disagree, as i said i've just finished a 4 year apprenticeship and have been through all the bullcrap. Ask away.
Forget Qantas unless you move to BNE as it's all over in Melbourne
. Go for General aviation , as your options are much , much better. someone mentioned that forum chat is pointless but i disagree, as i said i've just finished a 4 year apprenticeship and have been through all the bullcrap. Ask away.
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Completing a pre apprenticeship course is definitely not a requirement for General Aviation, I would agree it is for the airlines though.
In fact, many chief engineers Ive spoken to think the opposite, they don't like many of the graduates of these courses as they dont really have much useful practical experience.
Having said that, I did complete the aviation aus course in bris and it did help a little, mind you I think i could have achieved a lot more in the 10 months it took...
In fact, many chief engineers Ive spoken to think the opposite, they don't like many of the graduates of these courses as they dont really have much useful practical experience.
Having said that, I did complete the aviation aus course in bris and it did help a little, mind you I think i could have achieved a lot more in the 10 months it took...
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Apply* to everyone you would like to work for, and don't be hesitant about updating your resume and interest. *In person first time if you can get there.
Be prepared to start. Have a think about doing the course part time but make it a goal you must get. If you can handle the study, look post graduate.
The present system is gearing towards bigger AME numbers. Once you've completed your apprenticeship, you can move around and progress to where you want to go. An MRO, an airline, regional airline, GA, helicopters......mechanical, avionics, technical services, quality.......
The number of management positions now done by tradesmen with tertiary qualifications is increasing noticeably. Technical services is the same, more so overseas.
Earn just enough to survive first 3 or so years and after that it rises to decent money eventually.
Good luck with it.
Post it if you get a start
Be prepared to start. Have a think about doing the course part time but make it a goal you must get. If you can handle the study, look post graduate.
The present system is gearing towards bigger AME numbers. Once you've completed your apprenticeship, you can move around and progress to where you want to go. An MRO, an airline, regional airline, GA, helicopters......mechanical, avionics, technical services, quality.......
The number of management positions now done by tradesmen with tertiary qualifications is increasing noticeably. Technical services is the same, more so overseas.
Earn just enough to survive first 3 or so years and after that it rises to decent money eventually.
Good luck with it.
Post it if you get a start
